Grossmont College's 61st Annual
Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, June 9, 2022
9:30am - Parking Lot 1
Congratulations! Graduation is an important milestone. The Commencement Ceremony is an exciting day for our students and our entire campus community.
Grossmont College conducts one commencement ceremony a year, at the end of the spring semester. Fall and winter graduates are encouraged to attend the ceremony and participate in this event with spring graduates in June.
Masks are required for unvaccinated students and guests.
Before the Ceremony
Honors & Special Recognition
Graduates receiving academic honors will be listed as such in the commencement ceremony program.
Those recognized in the program will have achieved one or more of the following distinctions:
Academic Distinction: cumulative GPA of 4.0 in all college coursework
Scholastic Honors: cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.99 in all college coursework
Graduates who meet honors requirements are identified on the Cap and Gown list at the Bookstore.
The commencement ceremony program will also include notations next to graduates’ names who are members in good standing of Phi Theta Kappa, awarded Students of Note, and military veterans.
Students should confirm their academic honors and special recognition status when they verify their name spelling on their graduation application. HAVE QUESTIONS? Please visit the Grossmont Graduation website.
Who may participate in Commencement
Application for Graduation: All candidates must file an Application for Graduation with the Admissions & Records Office by Friday, March 11, 2022, 4pm PST to ensure that their name is in the commencement program. Candidates will be notified about their graduation status.
Have Questions? EmailGrossmont.Evaluations@gcccd.edu for questions regarding your application for graduation.
Note: In order to ensure the correct spelling of your name in the commencement program and on your diploma, you are advised to ensure the accurate spelling of your name on your graduation application. To make corrections to your application please email Grossmont.Evaluations@gcccd.edu.
Eligible Participants:Grossmont College conducts one commencement ceremony a year, at the end of every Spring semester. For this year’s event, Summer 2021, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 graduates will be invited and encouraged to participate. Any potential graduates for Summer 2022 who wish to participate in commencement will need to get approval through the Admissions & Records office via petition starting May 1, 2022.
Have Questions? Email Grossmont.Graduation@gcccd.edu for questions regarding the ceremony.
Participation in the ceremony is completely voluntary, however, we encourage all who graduated to participate.
If you do not wish to participate in the ceremony, you do not need to do anything further, however, if you wish not to be listed in the commencement ceremony program please email Grossmont.Graduation@gcccd.edu.
Caps, Gowns, & other Memorabilia
Official Grossmont College graduation accessories may be purchased at the Grossmont College Bookstore. Bookstore hours are Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more Information, please email grossmontbookstore@gcccd.edu.
Cap, Gown, & Tassel: $35.00
Tassel Only: $5.00 (Green and gold with 2022 date)
Honors Cords*: $10.00
*Students meeting honors requirements are identified on the Cap and Gown list in the Bookstore.
Accessibility, Medical and Special Needs
Graduates who need assistance (mobility, sign language interpretation, accessible
formats, etc.) must contact the Accessibility Resource Center at 619-644-7112 prior to Thursday, May 26, 2022 to request accommodations. Please note: The college does not
provide personal care attendants.
Attend Grad Information Session
For additional information and questions about the Commencement Ceremony, students may attend the Grad Information Session:
Thursday, May 26 @10:00am
If you are unable to attend the information Session, there will be two mini sessions on:
May 31, 2022 3:00-3:30PM
June 2, 2022 11:00-11:30AM
Zoom link for both sessions: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/95399090029
Arriving at the Ceremony
Students
Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020. For Campus Map click HERE.
No RSVP or tickets are needed to participate.
Check in time:
Will begin at 8:00am, Thursday, June 9, 2022 in the Griffin Center, Building 60 (Front entrance to Bldg. 60, facing the Main Quad and the Bookstore). Graduates should arrive to campus with their caps and gowns no later than 8:30am
Note: Personal items should be left with family or friends since there is no secured area. Backpacks and bags will not be allowed.
Identification Required:
Graduates must present a valid Grossmont College Student I.D. or a California State I.D. at the time of check in. NO EXCEPTIONS. Students without a valid Grossmont College Student I.D. or California State I.D. will not be allowed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Student Identification Cards and replacement cards are free and available as part of the registration process in the Admissions and Records office located in Building 10.
Veterans
Check-in & VRC Reception:
A dedicated check-in station and reception will be held at the Veterans Resource Center (Building 21-253) on the day of commencement. Graduating veterans, graduating dependents, and their families are welcome to relax and enjoy refreshments at the VRC before the morning’s events.
Commencement Processional:
Grossmont College invites military-affiliated graduates to lead their peers into the commencement ceremony. To participate, students should check in at either Building 60 or meet outside of the VRC (Building 21-253) no later than thirty minutes prior to commencement (9am).
Tassels, Stoles, & Cords:
Graduating veteran students are eligible to receive a red/white/blue tassel, Grossmont College Veteran stole, and red/white/blue cord. Graduating military dependents are eligible to receive a red/white/blue tassel and cord.
Quantities of these items are limited. Please contact Grossmont.VeteransResourceCenter@gcccd.edu for more information.
Guests
Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020. The ceremony will be held in Parking Lot 1.
For Campus Map click HERE
No tickets are needed to participate. The commencement ceremony is open to all guests of the graduates—no admission tickets are necessary.
Family members and guests should be encouraged to arrive early, as there may be delays with entry inspections and traffic.
Parking permits will not be enforced during the ceremony. Please be sure to obey all other traffic and parking signage. Due to anticipated high volume of traffic, please allow yourself plenty of time.
Accessible parking is available in all parking lots.
Seating is limited and no saving of seats is allowed. It is advised guests plan to arrive on campus early to ensure proper time to become acclimated to campus. The ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30am.
Please plan to arrive early for parking and seating and expect traffic delays. The ceremony is expected to last between two and two and a half hours.
The Campus Bookstore will be open on Commencement Day for any last minute items.
Important Policies & Prohibitions
The Following are prohibited:
Animals/Pets (The District will allow an individual with a disability to use a service dog or miniature horse in District facilities and on District campuses in compliance with state and federal law. (GCCCD Board Policy 3440))
Smoking (Grossmont College is a non-smoking campus. Smoking and/or other tobacco use is prohibited. (GCCCD Board Policy 3570))
Oversized Banners, Balloons, Umbrellas and Signs (Graduates and guests may bring decorations, however, large banners, balloons, umbrellas, or signs that will obstruct the view of of other guests may be removed.)
Illegal Drugs/Alcohol
Laser Pens and Pointers
Skateboards, Rollerblades, Bikes, etc.
Unapproved pamphlets, fliers, handbills, etc.
Unapproved vendors
Weapons of any kind (i.e. pepper spray, tear gas, handcuffs, stun guns)
Any other item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by law enforcement and/or college officials
During the Ceremony
Health Protocols
Masks are required for unvaccinated students and guests.
Decorum
Throughout the formal portions of the ceremony, students are asked to maintain appropriate decorum befitting the dignity of a college commencement.
It is recommended that students NOT wear high heels but opt for comfortable shoes. The weather is anticipated to be hot, so dress accordingly.
Caps may be decorated, but decorations should not obstruct the view of the people behind you.
Food and Drink
Guests may bring outside food, beverages, coolers, bottled water, cans, etc. The Bookstore will be open. Drinking fountains are located throughout campus.
Photography
Guests are invited to photograph the processional in designated areas only. Please comply with all volunteer directions.
A professional photographer, GradImages, will take photos of graduates during the degree conferral segment of the ceremony. Visit website, www.gradimages.com, and click on Pre-Event Email Registration. Enter your email and up to 6 emails of loved ones who would like to share in your accomplishment by viewing and ordering your photos.
If you have any questions, please contact GradImages Customer Service department at (800) 261-2576.
Grad Images Photography will provide professional photographs for your individual purchase.
Conferral of Degrees
Actual degrees are not issued at the commencement ceremony—only the diploma covers. Degrees and certificates are awarded and posted to transcripts when grades are final, approximately one month after the term ends. Graduates will be notified via email. Printed diplomas will be mailed within the United Stated approximately three months after the semester ends. Please make sure your current address is on file. Replacement diplomas due to incorrect address on file is $15. The Graduation Address is separate from other addresses for the college and cannot be update through WebAdvisor. To update your information, please contact your Evaluations Advisor. Diplomas may be mailed internationally for a fee.
Outstanding Payments: Please note that if you have an outstanding obligation (such as fees or payments you still owe) to the college, we will not be able to release your diploma when it becomes available.
After the Ceremony
Career and transfer Services
It’s not too late to transfer! Our staff can connect you with university reps, arrange campus tours, and provide other resources to help guide you to your next goal. Transfer Center 619-644-7215
Ready to tackle the world? Our staff can help you find employment that’s related to your field of study and training, and show you how to effectively use online job search resources. Career Center 619-644-7614
Alumni Association
Congratulations Class of 2022!!!
Now that you've graduated, you're invited to stay connected by joining the Alumni Association for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges.
Top 5 Reasons to Join the Alumni Association:
- It's the No. 1 way to connect to Grossmont College — The Alumni Association keeps you informed and engaged with Grossmont College through activities, programs and publications.
- Get an edge in your career — Members receive exclusive invitations to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
- Show your Griffin pride — Membership is FREE and is an easy way for alumni and friends to demonstrate their Griffin pride. We keep alums aware of fun activities like GradFest, football tailgates and other social events.
- You're in the know — Members receive the latest news about Grossmont College through the Community Connections e-newsletter, direct mail and social media.
- Enjoy a tax break, too! — Any donation made through the Alumni Association is tax-deductible, thereby reducing your tax bill each year. Giving back to your alma mater helps to provide opportunities to many deserving students.
Join for FREE today at foundation.gcccd.edu/alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
When & where do I register?
- All candidates must file an Application for Graduation with the Admissions & Records Office by Friday, March 11, 2022, 4pm PST to ensure that their name is in the commencement program. Candidates will be notified about their graduation status. Have Questions? Email Grossmont.Evaluations@gcccd.edu
- Students who have applied for graduation with the Admissions & Records Office for Summer 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022 and Spring 2022 and are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Am I required to participate in the commencement ceremony?
While you are not required to participate in the commencement ceremony we highly encourage you to! Your accomplishments are important!
What if I don’t want my name listed in the commencement program?
If you do not wish to have your name listed in the published commencement program please email Evaluations at Grossmont.Evaluations@gcccd.edu to request the removal of your name from the program.
How do I know if I am graduating with honors or other special recognition?
Graduates receiving academic honors will be listed as such in the commencement ceremony program. Those recognized in the program will have achieved one or more of the following distinctions:
- Academic Distinction: cumulative GPA of 4.0 in all college coursework
- Scholastic Honors: cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.99 in all college coursework
The commencement ceremony program will also include notations next to graduates’ names who are members in good standing of Phi Theta Kappa, awarded Students of Note, and military veterans.
Students should confirm their academic honors and special recognition status when they verify their name spelling on their graduation application.
HAVE QUESTIONS? Please email Grossmont.Evaluations@gcccd.edu
Where can I order a cap & gown or other graduation memorabilia?
Caps and Gowns and other memorabilia may be purchased at the Grossmont College Bookstore (619) 644-7674
Who may I contact with questions?
- Students are encouraged to attend the Graduation Information Session on Thursday, May 26th. Please sign up HERE .
- Drop in information Sessions will be on May 31st @3:00-3:30PM and June 2nd @11:00-11:30AM. Zoom Link
- For further questions about the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony please call the Commencement Hotline at (619) 644-7454 or email at grossmont.graduation@gcccd.edu
- For questions regarding the status of your graduation application & the mailing of your degree please email Evaluations at Grossmont.Evaluations@gcccd.edu.
May we take pictures during the Commencement Ceremony?
Graduates are welcome to take pictures at the event.
Professional photographer, GradImages, will take photos of graduates during the degree conferral segment of the ceremony. Visit website, www.gradimages.com, and click on Pre-Event Email Registration.
If you have any questions, please contact GradImages Customer Service department at (800) 261-2576.
Grad Images Photography will provide professional photographs for your individual purchase. Graduates will receive additional information at check-in.
VIEW 2021 CEREMONY HERE: 2021 Commencement Ceremony